Coutinho continued: "There's a lot to improve and one of my objectives for this season is to score more goals.

"I also want to increase my participation during games. Both are things I try to work hard on and improve in training.

"I am ready and I hope all goes well this season with me and mainly with the team. We want to have a good campaign, as we had last year. It'll be particularly important this year with having the Champions League to play."

Liverpool's season begins with a home fixture against Southampton, now managed by Ronald Koeman and with a new-look squad following their dealings in the window.

The Saints were 1-0 victors on their last visit to Anfield, leaving Coutinho in no doubt as to the size of the task ahead in trying to register what the team consider to be a crucial first triumph.

"It's very important indeed," the 22-year-old said of the tie. "Last season we started well and won the first three games, which helped us push on in the league.

"It's really important to start off on the right foot. I believe we had good preparation during pre-season and we're ready to start the league.

"Although they might be a bit unknown to us at the moment I'm sure it'll be a very difficult game. All matches in the Premier League are tough.

"That includes Southampton, who usually have very good players and try to play good football. They'll be a strong side hence we must keep working hard, as we've been doing."